Politicians get in on Polyfest action - despite the Prime Minister's absence.
Forty-thousand people are expected at the event over the weekend.
Organisers have cancelled Saturday night's fireworks, acknowledging their communication "could've been better".
"There were quite a few people on the bus that actually passed out."
They've implemented several key changes after eight-hour waits in previous years that saw teens faint in the heat.
Organisers of the festival say ticket sales have bounced back post-COVID-19, as well as a big pool of international talent.
In Auckland alone more than 100 patients required on-site treatment.
Twelve people were arrested at Auckland's event just a day after "fighting and disorderly behaviour" at Wellington's.
"Organisers clearly didn't think about the weather," said one festival goer.
